Hillary Clinton now has a more substantial lead over Bernie Sanders, than Barack Obama had over her in 2008 at this same point in the primary.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is waging a campaign at a turning point. The New York primary earlier this week was essentially a must win. And he lost.

He's still campaigning as hard as ever, hopping from state to state talking about a rigged economy and a political system ruled by millionaires and billionaires. But the candidate who started out as an underdog and rose to heights few expected has a math problem.

Sanders needs to win all the remaining contests by a 20-point margin to catch up to Clinton in pledged delegates.

The Sanders campaign claims there is still a pathway to victory but I certainly don't see it.

On Tuesday we have Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island up for grabs.

The two most delegate rich states are Pennsylvania with 189 and Maryland with 95, and both of those states show Hillary ahead by double digits.

If she even wins half of the remaining delegates she will reach 2,146. While Sanders would only make it to 1,905.

And of course none of this counts the 479 super delegates that are already saying publicly that they will vote for Hillary at the convention.

So the only question remaining now is how does Bernie bow out gracefully, and how much longer will he string his supporters along?

With a Trump candidacy all but a certainty the Democrats need to get their act together and their fundraising focused on dealing with what we can only imagine will be the most aggressive, disgusting, and dirty political fight this country has ever seen.

Personally at this point I think every day counts toward that preparation.

100 comments:

I'm all for everyone voting in the remaining primaries as a national civic exercise, but I hope Bernie tones down his criticism of HRC now, because he's lost. You are right, Gryph. As everyone else is saying: "There is no math. There is no path."

I believe the unlawful citizen united election is rigged? really? what gave it away? duh. Once again, until you remove and overturn that unlawful take over of our country than just roll over and go back to sleep. IF ya all can understand why folks are backing the bern, than nothing more can be said. YOU helped destroy America. Be happy.

It's hard to decipher your point, but if you are against Citizens United, you should vote for Hillary, not Trump. Hillary has vowed to repeal it; are you unaware that Citizens United was started so the GOP could run big $$ against her? She hates it.

Jesus Christ, the super delegates choose the primary winner and the electoral college elects the President. There is no "democracy" in the POTUS progress. How about participating locally and in State elections. Those make a difference.

You have obviously jumped on the trendy Sanders bandwagon for this election and clearly do not have the faintest idea of how the election process works. You think that by apathetically sitting out election the local, state and midterms but waking up every 4 years to vote in the general is all you need to do to right the country. IT is people like YOU who have destroyed America. You entitled little twit.

The problem is that the winner is not the person who gets the most votes. The winner needs a majority of the votes (more than 50%).

It would be possible that no candidate gets a majority of the votes (over 50%). If no candidate gets 270 electoral votes, then the House of representatives chooses the president from the top three vote getters. Who do you think this House will choose?

Hill's good friend. John McCain: Bernie Sanders, Not Hillary Clinton, Has ‘Record of Advocacy’ for Vetshttp://observer.com/2015/10/john-mccain-bernie-sanders-not-hillary-clinton-has-record-of-advocacy-for-vets/

Setting the record. "JOHM MCCAIN CALLED TRUMP SUPPORTERS CRAZY. WELL JOHN MCCAIN YOU STUPID BITCH IM NOT CRAZY & DONALD TRUMP IS RIGHT "http://settingrecordstraight.blogspot.com/2015/07/vietnam-vet-mccain-no-war-hero-what.html

WTF happened? Where is Sarah Palin? Trump Adviser Admits He Has No Idea What Happened to That Veteran’s Rally Charity Moneyhttp://www.mediaite.com/online/trump-adviser-admits-he-has-no-idea-what-happened-to-that-veterans-rally-charity-money/

He is so tone deaf. First it was due to the "deep South," then the "corrupt" Democratic Party. Now Bernie says he's losing because poor people don't vote. Can he take responsibility for anything? The fish rots from the head. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2016/04/23/sanders-says-he-has-lost-primaries-to-clinton-because-poor-people-dont-vote/

I have not came across one person in my daily walk in life that admit that they will vote rump or hill. Its all Bernie. It is a republican state and city and nobody will vote hill or rump. I don't believe the polls or the media suggesting that rump and hill control and rule this election. NOPE. Go Bernie and Edwards 2016

I think maybe Edwards mentioned by 2:35 is Donna Edwards of Maryland? She is running in the primary for Senator against two other candidates, Chris Van Holen and someone else, I believe. I could be wrong.

That's since 2008, and not very much. Look at the overall trend since 1972, or the Reagan years. Yes the party has definitely moved right. As the Republican party has moved way right, the Democrats have filled the center spot. Bill Clinton epitomized that position, with some positions similar to old economic-conservative-social moderate Republicans of old. The gap that has developed is the left that the Democrats used to address. That, more than the nutty Bernie Bro beer drinker stereotype, explains Sanders' popularity. After all my friends who all support Sanders are all politically involved, have jobs, do not live with parents, and are mostly over 50 years old. We are old school Democrats that are more in line with Greens.One more thing..."how much longer does he (Sanders) string his supporters" is really a hack line, Gryph. Your blog, your opinions, I know...but really?

Frodo, I appreciate your thoughts, especially so elegantly stated, but Bernie has no mathematical way to win. Sure, vote for him. But in losing New York, Sanders lost the election. He's going to lose a lot more on Tuesday. At some point, general election must become the main focus.

Please let EVERYONE vote, ALL states until all the primaries have been run and then see where we are with the numbers. It's very discouraging when my state hasn't even had its primary yet and all is already decided. The system needs to change to all primaries on the same date and no caucuses. Just my 2 cents. Thanks.

OK, can we all get on the same page and realize that Hillary is our best chance to keep the White House???? Get over your Bernie obsession (Gryphen) and let's keep the White Housr in Democratic hands. Get.On.Board.

We get it, even if no one voted in another primary she would have the delegates to secure the nomination. Even if no one went to the polls in November the electoral college would still elect her president.

Presidential primaries and elections mean squat because it is not a popular vote.

Vote in state and local elections, because they actually mean something. POTUS is a circus for the masses, but there is really no need for the common man or woman to go to the polls.

2:58 - if you join a political party, your vote "doesn't mean squat." Then you can vote in the primary. Bernie did not really understand how to run a national campaign. If he ran again, like HRC did, he might do things a bit differently. I vote in every election, including state & local, but you're a bit naive if you don't think those are not also linked to the party system.

Also, it connects to the presidential years. For example, Gov. Jerry Brown, CA, will be campaigning for Hillary. The Lt. Governor, Gavin Newsom, is also for Hillary, etc. Why? Because she has been a major player in the party & they all know her.

Well, since she had all of the Superdelegates pledged to her before the first primary it was pretty much a done deal that she would win. DNC is simply pissed Bernie is doing so well in both votes and polling.

That's crap, Mailuppa. Stop stirring the pot. Clinton it winning based on the number of votes and pledged delegates and this talk of rigged system is undermining the legitimacy of her lead. You sound like Donald Trump.

The DNC agreed to let Bernie run as a Democrat. That means running on the party platform and helping the party to elect Democratic candidates down ticket. He has done anything but that. He has actually run AGAINST the DNC while using they platform to do so. Wouldn't you be pissed?

Are you for or against Universal health care ? Bernie is for it, Hillary thinks Obamacare is just fine.Are you for or against escalating conflict in Syria ?Are you for or against raising the cap on Social Security to keep it solvent ? Bernie says yes, Hillary says No Are you for or against regulating Wall Street with the reinstatement of Glass Steagal ? Bernie says yes, Hillary says NoAre you for or against legalizing Cannabis ? Bernie says Yes, Hillary says Never

Are you for or against new aggression rules for Law Enforcement ? Bernie says yes, Hillary says no

Are you for or against Wall Street speculators paying for free public college ? Bernie says yes, Hillary says no

these are just a few of the glaring differences but when you compare the two there can only be one choice to move America forward and that is Bernie Sanders !

Your first statement about Hillary and universal healthcare is incorrect. She stated publicly decades ago she is for it, long before Bernie I will also add. But Hillary is wise enough to know her personal feelings on a subject don't matter if you don't have a party in control of the House and Senate willing to back you. BTW Obamacare is certainly the first steps ito universal healthcare and she wants to expand and improve upon it.I'll use California's new $15 an hr minimum wage legislation as an example. While CA passed the $15 an hr, it did not and is not going to happen overnight, it will come in on increments through 2022. If you really think that Bernie could ever wave a magic wand once in office to fulfill his campaign promises than you truly are either ignorant or severely mentally ill.

BTW as for weed most of the population is the USA doesn't give a shit.

It all comes down to the marijuana for you doesn't it?LMAO, to hell with anything else as long as Bernie is going to shower you with free weed ( and yes, the one Bernie Ho in my family thinks she will somehow get free weed).

Gryph, If you think that after 20+ years of pure unadulterated hatred the Republicans are suddenly going to work with Hillary just because then you are loonier than your emperor comment. Bernie Sanders is the last hope to not only straighten out this skewed country but a totally F-up Democratic party, WE have become no better than any Republican and millions of us are sick of it.

In case you've forgotten, she fought for a universal Healthcare plan when she was First Lady and got crucified for it. It is part of why republicans hate her so much. She didn't just shut up and play a decorative role.

Many people are failing to grasp one significant impact of electing Clinton. It will permanently break the stranglehold on power for the "(old) white men" that has been at the center of this country since the beginning. Barack Obama's election broke the requirement to be white. Hillary would break the requirement to be male. That alone will keep moving the country left and have a huge impact on the consciousness of the nation.

That is why republicans are so scared of it. For them, Sanders is fairly safe. It restores the visual message, even if he is a socialist. They don't really think he can accomplish anything he says.

"Are you for or against Universal health care ? Bernie is for it, Hillary thinks Obamacare is just fine."----------------------Maybe if your first statement was not so wrong about Hillary's position on healthcare, I would read the rest. Were you deliberately misstating her position or just ignorant but willing to make things up?

OK, IMers, I'm putting this out there: Hillary Rodham Clinton for President; Vice President Caroline Kennedy Schlossburg. Get over it! Mrs. Schlossburg is more than qualified; educated; accomplished and ready. Thoughts???

I don't think so. The VP has to be ready to take over in the event that the President dies or is incapacitated in some way. We need somebody who knows how the government works, not that Ms. Kennedy Schlossburg doesn't but there are others out there who would make a fine VP.

I've voted for Stein the last two elections. Nothing to be ashamed of. I too will write her in if Bernie isn't the nominee. You and I, we want to see a different America, and that is a laudable outlook.

And that is totally your choice. But may I ask if it's the newer progressive thing to never use capital letters? BTW I was likely a progressive since before you were born, but what is up with the blatantly poor basic grammar? You are never going to get ahead in life like that.

Anyone who votes Jill Stein is ego-maniacal. Your "purity" vote for a known loser is more important than stopping Trump from getting the nuclear codes? Is your identity really that fragile? Your vote should count for something other than how it makes you feel. How about doing something for the rest of us? Or your kids or grandkids?

People should vote for whom they believe best represents their values. Trying to guilt people into voting for a candidate they don't like by telling them it's their duty to parry a candidate you don't like is undemocratic. I'll vote for Stein or write-in Sanders. If Trump or a Republican wins, that's Clinton's fault for failing to persuade me and yours for insulting me.

All these "Bernie Or Bust" & Green Party supporters with your #NotMeUs hashtags - your vote is a de facto vote for Trump. You can rationalize it anyway you want to, but that is the net effect. If you are unable to see that, look to the 2000 election & Nader. Your hashtag should be #PurityFirst.

And if enough people do this and Trump is elected president that's ok with you?

well maybe people should be more informed about who they are voting for... fuck hillary and fuck the entire republican party. im not a democrat/republican and im sick of this vote for one or the other bullshit.

You act like Secretary Hillary Clinton is the only one who is helping the Democratic Party and the down ballot Democratic politicians running for office by raising millions of dollars for them.

Yes it is true that Bernie Sanders (Independent Socialist the other day, now Democratic Socialist) once recently said in 2016,

#1 When pressed on his plans to raise money for other Democrats in late March by MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, Sanders simply said, “Well, we’ll see."

#2 While he, like Hillary Clinton, has signed a joint fundraising agreement with the Democratic National Committee, he had not raised money for others, while Clinton raised millions for the DNC and a wide array of state Democratic parties, including $15 million so far in 2016.

Yes Bernie Sanders said “Well, we’ll see" when asked about raising money for other Democrats to beat out Republicans in down ballot races, but now that Bernie has been raked over the coals for thinking only about himself, Bernie is now raising money for a select (three) few who just happens to be Democrats who has endorsed Bernie. The other Democrats, well you're on your own if you need Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders's help.

#3 Bernie Sanders is now raising money for a trio of progressive House candidates who have endorsed, a move that comes just weeks after he faced friendly fire for not committing to fundraise for down-ballot Democrats.

How generous of Bernie to wait so long and only support three candidates who pass his purity test. Is this what he would if he got the nom? Only support a couple down ticket candidates (or none if none passed his test)?

When the Saners' campaign post-mortems are written, drivel like this DK propaganda, and Bernie World posts on Reddit (non-fact based strategies based on desires) will be one poorly performing aspect that is analyzed. But all this wifi be more clear by April 26.

Wow, Bernie's rep says that she's "with" the cheater? So if a husband cheats, Dawson says she's with the women who cheat with married men! Cool! Who has Dawson cheated with? Great surrogate for Bernie!

No surprise, though, from the guy with an out of wedlock kid who cannot call him "Dad."

You are really reaching. Bill Clinton. I've heard the Secret Service likes his mistress, better than Hillary. They have to make sure that they are never together Hillary and the Mistress. Once a cheater always a cheater.always

7:19 - "You've heard." Nice. I guess you're not married? If so, then you must know that we cannot always predict what our spouses will do; how in the world is it Hillary's fault, as Dawson said? Anyone who thinks Bill is in good enough shape these days for a mistress needs to get new glasses.

Bernie just lost any respect I had in him for me. He should have rebuked rosario's comment, the fact that he didn't speaks volumes. What Hillary's husband did has been litigated and re litigated, how are Bill's actions reflective of Hillary's ability to be President? Thank's Bernie, for showing your true colors. No, you can't tell your surrogates what to say, but when they say something like that, it's on you to apologize. Silence is consent.

If so, then you must know that we cannot always predict what our spouses will do

i know if my wife cheated on me and vice versa we wouldnt be together. but then again we arent a couple for political purposes only. my wife and i actually love eachother. hilldawg and the entire clintons can piss off. as well as drumpf and theadore cruz...

O/T - saw this on another blog - "BLIND ITEM50. ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER 04/05 **#13**I wanted to get this out before some 5,000 word article with charts and graphs and arrows and explanations comes out in the next few weeks or month. This is the gist of how it happened. For almost a decade, this Presidential candidate had an affair with a staffer. Oh, she didn’t start out as a staffer. She started out just with a tenuous connection. He found out about that connection and when he saw her photos on Facebook he set up some random mentoring appointment for her. That turned into lunch, and the married candidate hooked up with her. He kept hooking up with her while giving her an allowance that he originally paid for through his own accounts. Later, he learned all about shuttling money that was supposed to be spent for campaigns could just as easily be directed towards the mistress. To make it look better she started working for him. The fact she got paid triple what other people in her position got paid was never spoken about because no one wanted to lose their own jobs. They just dealt with it. At some point, she fell in love. She wanted to marry someone so our politician found someone else to be his main mistress. His former mistress continued to work for him but rarely hooked up with her boss any longer because she didn’t want her husband to find out. At some point, the husband did find out so the mistress wanted out. She also wanted to be paid for her silence so she got a lump sum payment that was massive. She also got a do nothing job for a huge salary that is guaranteed for two years and then will receive another lump sum payment equal to the first lump sum payment. All paid for by donors." http://www.agcwebpages.com/BLINDITEMS/2016/APRIL.html

About Me

This blog is dedicated to finding the truth, exposing the lies, and holding our politicians and leaders accountable when they fall far short of the promises that they have made to both my fellow Alaskans and the American people.